Obituary of Irene E. Freer

Smethport – It is with great sadness that the family of Irene E. Mitchell Freer, 88, of Crosby and Emporium, passed peacefully in her sleep following a lengthy illness on February 7, 2018, in the Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys. She was born May 13, 1929 in Bakerton, a daughter of James and Ethel Green Mitchell. On February 26, 1948, in Crosby, PA, she married Almon L. Freer. They celebrated 57 years of marriage before his passing on April 27, 2005. Rene attended both Crosby and Colegrove Schools. She had been employed at Sylvania in Emporium for several years prior to her retirement. Rene was the sole survivor of her immediate family and loved to tell stories of growing up with her siblings. Although she did not have any children of her own, she enjoyed spoiling and spending time with her beloved family members. Rene enjoyed cooking, baking and shopping. She was especially known for her Christmas cookies. Her door was always open for a cup of coffee, a chat, or advice. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Colleen Mitchell Cox, William Mitchell, Jr., Irene Mitchell Hamilton, Sharon Mitchell, Dean Mitchell, James Wenner, Pamela Wyatt, Paula Mitchell, Debbie Mitchell, Jami Mitchell, Pattie Mitchell, Brenda Mitchell, Paul Mitchell, Jr., as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews, and her best bud, Rick. In addition to her parents and husband, Rene was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Jane, George, James, William, Cecilia, Ralph, Edith, and Paul, along with nieces, Darla and Kelly Mitchell, and nephews, Dennis Welch and Kevin Mitchell. A celebration of Rene's life will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15th, at 11 AM in the Hilltop Baptist Church, Gifford, with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.